MILTON, Pa. — The Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church in Northumberland County was originally one of three churches established by the Donegal Presbytery out of Philadelphia back in 1774.
"Unfortunately, of the three Churches, only one is left, and that's us. The other two have become venues for weddings and things like that," said Charles North, Pastor.
This weekend, Pastor Charles North and other members plan to celebrate more than two centuries of service to the Lord and the roots their church has made in the community.
"Over the years, the small churches as you are in here right now, they're slowly dying, and it's sad, but our church has been here for 250 years now."
The original church building was a log cabin built just across the border in Montour County, beyond the front gates of Chillisquaque Cemetery. Remnants of the foundation, although covered with grass, still create a border where many once gathered.
"We built a wonderful brick church, which we have photographs of that, then in 1893 we moved here in town, which is a good move for the church because a lot of these really rural churches were having a difficult time getting people to join," added North.
North has served as the 21st commissioned pastor at the newest church, which sits along Route 642 near Milton. He has held the position for the last 22 years.
Although it's a fraction of the church's history, he says it's been decades filled with memories.
"I can stand up at the pulpit and say, 'Oh, Mr and Mrs use to be here, so and so use to be here, but they've left their cushions behind', so it's wonderful memories. We miss them tremendously."
North and other members of the church will be holding a 250th-anniversary celebration starting at the Chillisquaque Cemetery on Sunday at 11 a.m.
"We are hoping we are praying that God will continue to bless this church in the years to come."